Abu Dhabi Alive spurs thousands of people to take part in fitness activities

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Fitness fanatics, health enthusiasts and those just looking to become more active were among the thousands who worked up a sweat at Zayed Sports City on Friday.

Break-dancing, rock climbing, boxing, tennis, circuit training and body attack were among the events on the third day of Abu Dhabi Alive, aimed at fighting flab and encouraging a more energetic lifestyle.

The event also invites visitors to try a range of physical activities to find those they enjoy most and to pick up health advice.

In the fitness area, music pumped from the speakers as stay-fit enthusiasts joined in for a range of classes including body combat, body jam and Zumba.

“Group exercise is a great way of getting fit while having fun,” said Liz Duco, the head of group exercise at Gold’s Gym in Al Wahda Mall, who was one of the trainers working the crowd.

“Classes like these help improve fitness and strengthen muscles and bones.”

David Crocker, a personal trainer at Original Fitness, also helped to get the blood pumping.

Mr Crocker, 27, an Australian, led a series of high-intensity workouts designed to get the optimum results for short bursts of exercise.

They included obstacle courses, planking and a challenge where competitors had two minutes to do the most burpees, which are a combination of squats, push-ups and vertical jumps.

“We are here to promote health and fitness,” said Mr Crocker. “Exercise improves the quality of life and allows you to live healthier for longer. Eat healthy and keep active.”

Fasih Uddin, 15, of Al Alamana school in Sharjah, travelled to Abu Dhabi on Friday as part of a class trip to Abu Dhabi Alive.

“I have tried the basketball and pool. Pool was definitely my favourite,” said the Pakistani schoolboy.

Fasih was joined by his Egyptian classmate Mohammed Kishk.

“I did a lot,” said Mohammed, 15. “I have played billiards, pool and basketball and I am really excited about playing in a football match later on. It is definitely my favourite sport.

“Exercise is good. It keeps you fit and healthy.”

Their teacher, Rasheed Ali, 29, also challenged his balancing skills on the tightrope.

“It has been a good day,” Mr Ali said. “The students are having a great time.”

Maei Jeneidi, 33, took her daughters Sama, 8, and Masa, 4, to try a host of activities including tightrope walking, throwing rings and tennis.

“Fitness and health is important,” said Ms Jeneidi, a Jordanian who had a facial and visited a dietician at the event.

“We currently eat a lot of junk food and salt and we want to change that. Maybe by coming here we will make it our New Year’s resolution.”

Eurmeet Singh, 40, an Indian employee of Aldar Properties, attended the event with his wife, who tried rock climbing.

“It is very important to do exercise,” Mr Singh said. “It goes a long way to keeping you healthy.”

Visitors to Abu Dhabi Alive, of which The National is a sponsor, could also take part in cooking demonstrations.

Organisers have said the overwhelming response to the inaugural event leaves little room for doubt that Abu Dhabi Alive will return next year.

“We will definitely make it happen,” said Hayete Jemai, the exhibition director. “It has been a really fantastic response. Better than even expected. The exhibitors are really happy.”

Ms Jemai said about 4,500 people attended the opening day on Wednesday while, on Thursday, families made the most of a spontaneous public holiday, on the back of Dubai’s Expo 2020 win.

She said the range of activities, which also included a ladies-only fitness tent, quizzes, giveaways and free entry and car parking, proved a winning formula.

Ms Jemai said event organisers were also planning to launch Al Ain Alive in autumn next year.

“Daman, our principle sponsor, are really concerned about getting everyone in the community healthy,” she said.

“I think there is a real need for people to have an event like this where you can learn about healthy lifestyles in a fun way.”

Saturday is the last day of Abu Dhabi Alive, which is open between 11am and 8pm. The event is free to enter but costs Dh5 if people wish to take part.